The Minnesota Zoo is kicking off its 10th annual ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge and calling teachers to apply.
The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge is a nationwide, yearlong project that challenges students to create solutions for zoo-based problems using the concepts of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This year’s competition will feature bison and black-tailed prairie dogs and give students an opportunity to redesign the existing exhibits or come up with group-based enrichment for the animals, according to a news release from the Apple Valley zoo.
“For 10 years, the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge has given the next generation of problem-solvers the opportunity to grow their skills and envision STEM careers in this important field,” said John Frawley, director of the Minnesota Zoo and president of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, in the release.
The competition is sponsored by Flint Hills Resources, which operates the Pine Bend refinery in Rosemount. Flint Hills has been a partner of the Minnesota Zoo for more than 30 years and donated $1 million to the Treetop Trail this summer.
The Treetop Trail is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop at 1.25 miles long. Reaching 32 feet in the air, visitors can see the prairie dog and bison exhibits that this year’s students will be working on from the Treetop Trail.
“We are thrilled to see the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge grow and give the next generation of scientists and engineers engaging experiences at a world-class zoo,” said Heather Rein, director of community affairs at Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery, in the release. “Having students work with animals along the Zoo’s new Treetop Trail is the perfect way to celebrate 10 years of this incredible program,” she said.
Teachers of students in grades three through 12 are eligible to apply to the program by Nov. 17 at mnzoo.org/zooms-stem-challenge.